anyone have experience with BRS hybrid balling method?

[Miami Reef]

The current Bulk Reef Supply recommendation is to use the three parts as is (alkalinity, calcium, balling part C), then use their magnesium maintenance mix for magnesium corrections as needed over time.

That advice is great, at least in theory. If you can get a reliable magnesium test kit (you can make ‘standards’ by storing a bottle of tank water at the same time as sending an Oceamo MS ICP), then it will work perfectly.

OR, you can also just add a specific amount of magnesium based on the general consumption rate of corals and coralline to the balling part. You won’t need to worry about testing or maintaining magnesium.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-balling-method-recipe.1098905/

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The current Bulk Reef Supply recommendation is to use the three parts as is (alkalinity, calcium, balling part C), then use their magnesium maintenance mix for magnesium corrections as needed over time.

That advice is great, at least in theory. If you can get a reliable magnesium test kit (you can make ‘standards’ by storing a bottle of tank water at the same time as sending an Oceamo MS ICP), then it will work perfectly.

OR, you can also just add a specific amount of magnesium based on the general consumption rate of corals and coralline to the balling part. You won’t need to worry about testing or maintaining magnesium.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-balling-method-recipe.1098905/

Yes, I just reread it. It’s close to great, now that they fixed the double dipping on magnesium, but they still have the wrong recipe (ratio of sulfate to chloride) for that mag supplement. Not a big deal, but also not correct.

 

[Miami Reef]

Yes, I just reread it. It’s close to great, now that they fixed the double dipping on magnesium, but they still have the wrong recipe (ratio of sulfate to chloride) for that mag supplement. Not a big deal, but also not correct.

It is crucial to use the correct ratio IMO. I think Balling Part C contains enough sulfate as is. My sulfate trended up relative to chloride, and I didn’t even dose magnesium during this time period. I just used the three part as is. You can see my depleted magnesium and my chloride:sulfate ratio here:

For onlookers, these are the two recipes:

It was difficult organizing the Balling recipe because there are so many different chemicals, hydration states, and recipes. For example, you have epsom salt vs BRS magnesium sulfate. BRS is anhydrous, so I must include two alternatives magnesium options. I cannot just say “use magnesium sulfate” because that implies epsom salt and BRS are the same potency.

Then we have the confusion of which sulfate:chloride ratio needs to be used. I spent a lot of time refining the wording to make it as clear as possible.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is crucial to use the correct ratio IMO. I think Balling Part C contains enough sulfate as is. My sulfate trended up relative to chloride, and I didn’t even dose magnesium during this time period. I just used the three part as is. You can see my depleted magnesium and my chloride:sulfate ratio here:

For onlookers, these are the two recipes:

It was difficult organizing the Balling recipe because there are so many different chemicals, hydration states, and recipes. For example, you have epsom salt vs BRS magnesium sulfate. BRS is anhydrous, so I must include two alternatives magnesium options. I cannot just say “use magnesium sulfate” because that implies epsom salt and BRS are the same potency.

Then we have the confusion of which sulfate:chloride ratio needs to be used. I spent a lot of time refining the wording to make it as clear as possible.

Yes, it becomes a complicated world of dosing when folks use different chemicals and recipes. :)